Future LTD Owner, Needs advice

Bay33saw

Bay33saw

New member
Hello Forum, I am new to the group so if this question has been asked before I apologize.

I have been a long time truck owner (last 10 years) due to some changes in my life I have found that I do not need a truck anymore and I am leaning towards the 5th Gen 4 Runner LTD. I have always been impressed with the reliability and longevity of Toyotas.
Instead of going to a dealership and listening to a sales guy who’s only goal is to sell you the car I would like to pitch a few Q’s and A’s to people that are in the “Know”

I live in Las Vegas NV where in the summer time it gets up into the high 100’s so although leather was not my first choice I wanted some of the options that only the LTD provided, so leather it is.
I only drive about 20 miles to and from work on the freeway, with the occasional road trip to Southern California about 4 times a year, I have no kids but two large dogs (116 lbs and 110lbs) who we take on road trips too when ever we can.
I do go off road when I go shoot about 2 or 3 times a month and it is seldom more that 5 miles on the trail each way and more graded than “off road”

The Pros that interest me with the 4 Runner are as follows:

Love the rear sliding window for the dogs.
Looks.
Toyota’s reliability.
Fold totally flat back seat so the bed is big enough for two sleeping dogs.
JBL speakers (my pick up had BOSE which was good)
Blue tooth connectivity.

Cons:
MPG (is it really 18 in town and 23 highway, and what octane gas does it take??)
Leather, like I said earlier unless they are ventilated seats like in my wife’s Lexus, I can do without them but I know the LTD ONLY come with leather.
Color, lame color choices, unless you like black leather, I would like the tan.
Interior, looks plastic like to me.

I noticed the 3rd row seat looks just big enough for kids so I’d rarely use them, so is it worth looking for the sliding cargo bed configuration?
I don’t plan on doing any major upgrades on the vehicle, except maybe a TRD air flow or K&N.
Any comments or concerns from any other 4 Runner drivers would be of great help.

Oh! I forgot to mention I am not buying new I am buying a 2010 or 2011 New/used so my choices may be a bit more limited.

I should say that the Honda Pilot's interior looks like C*#P, and the Mazda CX-9 is still a Ford in sheeps clothing so you know the electrics will take a S**T sooner or later

Thanks

CC
 
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Moist,
I cannot be happier with my limited. Before I lifted mine, i got about 18 and 23, perspectively, with regular ol 87 octane. Our dogs love riding in the back, just flop the seats down and toss a dog bed or two in there, and they ride in comfort. I personally didnt like the tan, due to the dogs, and the prospect of having dark dog hair with a light interior but love the black with my shoreline blue (personal opinion). I love my sliding deck, its nice to pull it out when you have oversized or awkward stuff, so you arent leaning into the back.

My only recommendation would be to get a good all season and chuck the OEM tires. It'll help the ride significantly.

I've had absolutely no issues out of my toyota. I loved the interior upgrades (dual climate, the optitron gauges) of the limited compared to the SR5.

while driving around the city when its nice here, i've noticed if you open the sunroof and crack the back window, you have awesome airflow. Not loud and crazy, but gives a nice fresh breeze.
 
I have to agree with Ladywolf. I've had my LTD for almost 14 months and 18K miles. Two 18+ hour road trips and to still feels smooth to me. It's not perfect, but what vehicle is?

I recommend skipping the 3rd row for the reasons you stated and get the sliding tray. I don't use it often, but it's nice to have when needed. Read all the posts about dog mat recommendations and you'll get lots of good suggestions for the 4-legged friends. Try to get the Nav system if possible - nice to have when you need it. Do a few of the small practical mods that the members suggest, like adding LED lights to the cargo area, and you'll be fine. Also, if you get a used truck that's still under the original factory warranty, then you should be able to purchase the Toyota extended warranty if you plan to keep the vehicle for a long time (Prices are on here so you don't get ripped off by the dealer).

If you have other specific questions, ask away.
 
I am new to my LE, but really enjoy it. Its my opinion that the vehicle is too small for 3rd row seating, but then again I only have a toddler to deal with so I did not need the extra seating. Plenty of room for the 65lb border colley I have so it has worked out well for me. I like the sliding cargo tray. You won't go wrong with the LE.
 
Scuba6 said:
I have to agree with Ladywolf. I've had my LTD for almost 14 months and 18K miles. Two 18+ hour road trips and to still feels smooth to me. It's not perfect, but what vehicle is?

I recommend skipping the 3rd row for the reasons you stated and get the sliding tray. I don't use it often, but it's nice to have when needed. Read all the posts about dog mat recommendations and you'll get lots of good suggestions for the 4-legged friends. Try to get the Nav system if possible - nice to have when you need it. Do a few of the small practical mods that the members suggest, like adding LED lights to the cargo area, and you'll be fine. Also, if you get a used truck that's still under the original factory warranty, then you should be able to purchase the Toyota extended warranty if you plan to keep the vehicle for a long time (Prices are on here so you don't get ripped off by the dealer).

If you have other specific questions, ask away.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input, I'll do a search for the dog mats, LED lights for the cargo area and the ext warranty. It's going to be a tough search seeing as I'm buying used, so the sliding rear cargo area might be a maybe, I'm hoping to find one with the 15 speaker audio system.
Keep the quotes coming guys I appreciate it
 
harper7 said:
Maybe it folds flat but the whole floor is a good 7 or 8 inches higher so it does .
See here in the pic,his is 3rd row(5th one down on jt_4rnrs)http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...4runner-owners-picture-thread.html#post472634
Without the 3rd row, the floor is almost flush to the bottom of the door opening....
Click to expand...

WOW what a good point I did not realize, that 7 or 8 inches might make all the difference seeing as one of my dogs is old and I have to lift him into the back of my truck, Thanks.

On another note, when you are searching for used 4 runners which ones have the 15 speaker JBL sound system? Are they any select trims or do U just have to ask?
 
Last edited:
Moistmaster said:
WOW what a good point I did not realize, that 7 or 8 inches might make all the difference seeing as one of my dogs is old and I have to lift him into the back of my truck, Thanks.

On another note, when you are searching for used 4 runners which ones have the 25 speaker JBL sound system? Are they any select trims or do U just have to ask?
Click to expand...
JBL Nav has the 15 speaker set up and they are an option on the Limiteds and TE's.

Also ,I don't know if you know that 5th Gen 4runners have some of the highest resale values out there.I was shocked(and happy) at what used ones sell for! They are not like most domestic vehicles where you lose almost 20 percent driving them off the lot. These are made to last and the resale prices thruout the years reflect it!

Therefore , you can usually get a brand new one for only a couple thousand more then a used one. If you read alot on here you'll find out how to get one at or around invoice which is 3-5 grand off the window sticker and not much more then a used one.
 
harper7 said:
JBL Nav has the 15 speaker set up and they are an option on the Limiteds and TE's.

Also ,I don't know if you know that 5th Gen 4runners have some of the highest resale values out there.I was shocked(and happy) at what used ones sell for! They are not like most domestic vehicles where you lose almost 20 percent driving them off the lot. These are made to last and the resale prices thruout the years reflect it!

Therefore , you can usually get a brand new one for only a couple thousand more then a used one. If you read alot on here you'll find out how to get one at or around invoice which is 3-5 grand off the window sticker and not much more then a used one.
Click to expand...

So ANY LTD with Nav has the 15 speaker set up is that right?
I'm not sure on a new one, I don't know the invoice on a 2012 but I can get a loaded 2010 or 11 for around 35 to 36 K
 
Everyone will have something to say about price, and you can find a lot of threads on here about "what is a good price for....". If you use the different websites like USAA or Amex or a few of the others that help you determine true invoice pricing, you can expect to pay around $40K for a new loaded LTD. If that's only $4k over a used one, and you get to pick your color and exact options instead of taking whatever comes along, it might be something worth considering.
 
Scuba6 said:
Everyone will have something to say about price, and you can find a lot of threads on here about "what is a good price for....". If you use the different websites like USAA or Amex or a few of the others that help you determine true invoice pricing, you can expect to pay around $40K for a new loaded LTD. If that's only $4k over a used one, and you get to pick your color and exact options instead of taking whatever comes along, it might be something worth considering.
Click to expand...

My local dealership was offering Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. That really pushed me to buy a new one.
 
Scuba6 said:
Everyone will have something to say about price, and you can find a lot of threads on here about "what is a good price for....". If you use the different websites like USAA or Amex or a few of the others that help you determine true invoice pricing, you can expect to pay around $40K for a new loaded LTD. If that's only $4k over a used one, and you get to pick your color and exact options instead of taking whatever comes along, it might be something worth considering.
Click to expand...

I agree Scuba if my budget (or my monthly payment would allow me) I'd buy new and get all the options I want, but 4k over a used one is nearly $100 a month on my monthly payment, I'm afraid it will come down to a compromise, but we will wait and see.
 
LiquidGx said:
You will get a lower rate on new which will help offset the difference.
Click to expand...

I get 2.99 on used through my credit union, I think Toyota is 1.99 on new and then I have to pay all the TTFPD. (Tax, Title, Freight, Prep and Delivery) BS. I dunno though I have a saled guy from my local delership looking around too. So we will see.
 
I upgraded from a 10 SR5 to an 11 Limited a few months back, and I'm very happy that I did so. I appreciate the features of the limited and the upgrades are worth it for me. As far as the JBL system, I do not believe you can find that in a 12 with Entune, so stick to the 10/11 for a JBL system. I found it to be a nice upgrade over the 8 speaker system. I have several stereo upgrades in the hopper as well.
 
My LE is about 5 months old now and I'm still loving it. Got the Nav and sliding rear cargo, 4WD.

I traded the 20 inch rims for SR5 rims with a member here. Very easy to do as there are always people willing to trade to get the 20s. I plan on putting some Duratracs and a Gobi Stealth Roof Rack in the near future.

I replaced all interior lights with LEDs and put in Husky floor liners.

So far the rig has functioned flawlessly. The 15 speaker sound system is awesome and the Nav works great for my needs.

Search this forum and you will find LOTS of information about mods.

Good luck. You can't go wrong with a 4 runner!!
 
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